Bobonaro, October 22, 2026 |Media Democracia| – The Government of Timor-Leste has allocated a budget of US$ 40.000,00 to the National Institute for Combating HIV-AIDS (INCSIDA.IP) to support the celebration of World HIV-AIDS Day, which will be held on 1 December 2026, in the Mota-Ain area, Bobonaro Municipality, near the Maliana border.
The President of INCSIDA.IP, Daniel Marçal, conveyed this information to Média Democracia journalists in Batugade, Thursday (22/10), and explained the budget will be used for activities planned to be held during the celebration, including transport, food for participants, invitation of music bands and artists, health consultation, HIV testing and other activities.
Daniel Marçal explained, although the budget is limited, INCSIDA.IP will prepare various activities together with the community to commemorate World HIV-AIDS Day and raise public awareness about HIV prevention and treatment.
“INCSIDA is preparing a small budget to together with communities celebrate World HIV-AIDS Day in Mota-Ain. Some activities that will be held are betel nut climbing competition, tug-of-war, health consultation, HIV testing and blood donation,” he said.
He said eight (8) villages from Bobonaro Municipality will participate in this celebration. According to his information, each village will be represented by 100 people, so total participants planned to participate is 800 people.
To facilitate community participation, INCSIDA.IP will prepare food and transport support for participants, especially for villages that are far from the activity venue. However, communities that live near the celebration venue can walk.
Daniel Marçal affirmed these preparations are important to ensure communities can actively participate in the commemoration of World HIV-AIDS Day, whose objective is to increase knowledge about HIV, promote prevention, and encourage people to access testing and treatment.
Journalist: Pedrito Dos Santos
Photo: Pedrito Dos Santos